Some of California's most iconic destinations are offering must-see events this season.
RENO, Nev., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Sunshine State is home to some of the most sought-after destinations, such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Morro Bay, Murrieta and Solvang. From celebrating local culinary excellence to art, history, the holidays and more, there is plenty to include in your end-of-year vacation.
September
Morro Bay Margarita & Avocado Festival
The reimagined and rebranded 2022 Avocado Margarita Food and Drink Festival will take place Friday, Sept. 9, 2022 through Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. This brand-new experience will feature some of the best chefs, bakers, mixologists, musicians, and retail vendors in the Central Coast and surrounding areas. The three-day festival will showcase unique margaritas and gourmet avocado dishes complimented by the picturesque backdrop of Morro Rock and stunning bay views from Tidelands Park.
Solvang Danish Days
California's premier Danish heritage festival, Solvang Danish Days, will move forward this year with a three-day, in-person event line-up, Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16-18, 2022. The 2022 Solvang Danish Days theme – yet to be announced – will be celebrated during this year's event, which honors the 1911 establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans. The 2022 edition of Solvang Danish Days marks a triumphant return of the beloved, annual cultural affair after an unprecedented pause in both 2020 and 2021 due to COVID. All advance, online tickets are or will be available for sale at this link: solvang-danish-days-2022.eventbrite.com.
Carmel-by-the-Sea's 59th Annual Sandcastle Contest
The white sands of Carmel Beach will be home to the 59th Annual Sandcastle Contest on Saturday, September 17, 2022. From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., participants are encouraged to create a sand sculpture to honor the theme of "time travel" from any era in Carmel Beach's past. Bribery (non-monetary) is encouraged, so it's not unusual to see platters of food, bottles of wine, chair massages and other indulgences being offered to the judges. Learn more about the event and contest rules here: https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/event-59th-annual-sandcastle-contest_89.htm
Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
Open seven days a week, the Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze launches for the spooky season at the end of September. With a 14-acre corn maze, the whole family can delight in multiple mazes. From a children's corn maze to a night corn maze, get lost in the season. Plus, bring the fun home with you and shop from the pumpkin patch filled with pumpkins, gourds, squash and more. The pumpkin patch will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Follow along on Instagram @solvangfarmerpumpkinpatch for updates and ticketing details.
October
Carmel-by-the-Sea Poodle Day
Poodle Day is an annual event in Carmel, California on Oct. 1, 2022 that unites poodle owners and lovers--and their furry companions--for a fun-filled day, which includes a parade for poodles, poodle mixes, and their human companions, off-leash beach play, as well as evening cocktail parties. In addition to being one of California's premier vacation destinations, Carmel consistently ranks as one of Dog Fancy's top ten most dog-friendly cities in America. Proceeds from Poodle Day benefit NorCal Poodle Rescue, which has been a haven for poodles and poodle mixes in need in Northern California and Southern Oregon for over 30 years. NorCal's philosophy is to help poodles while also enriching the lives of the people who adopt them.
Solvang Scarecrow Fest
Santa Ynez Valley merchants will welcome the fall season by kicking off the annual Scarecrow Fest and contest on Oct. 1. Residents and tourists are invited to vote on their favorite creations throughout the month. The festival, which began in 2010, boasts more than 100 businesses displaying zany, quirky, sweet, traditional, Danish, spooky, crazy, and downright funny scarecrows gracing window displays, sidewalks, and park benches. Locals and tourists alike can vote for their favorite scarecrows that take over the quiet streets of Solvang during the month of October.
33rd Annual Taste of Carmel
The Carmel Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that the Taste of Carmel will again take place at the beautiful Carmel Mission Basilica on October 6, 2022. The theme for 2022 is "Long Time No Sea." Along with the local food and wine, Taste of Carmel will feature live music (The Sea Dogs and The Money Band) and a silent auction. VIP tickets include early admission at 5pm, exclusive access to the VIP lounge, and more! Purchase tickets here.
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Meet the Makers Art and Wine Walk
Meet Carmel-by-the-Sea artists, local winemakers, and craft food creators along the Carmel Art Walk at the third annual Meet the Makers event on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Stroll through charming downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and meet the artists who carry on the artist colony legacy and tour their galleries, while sipping Monterey County wines. The event takes place from 4-7 pm and begins at Devendorf Park this year, where you may pick up your wine glass and stroll through a special exhibit by local photographer Randy Tunnell as he showcases the Carmel Bohemian Painters. Click here for tickets.
Murrieta Craft Beer Week
Murrieta, known for their celebrated craft beer culture, is hosting the annual Craft Beer Week from October 16 to 23, 2022. The event is in collaboration with the beloved Brew Masters Golf Tournament and Rooted in Nature Craft Brew Festival. Craft Beer Week showcases local, creative independent breweries with many within walking distance of each other. Craft Beer Week will also include the Rooted in Nature Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, October 15 featuring a lineup of amazing guest breweries, selection of local homebrewed beers and wine garden. The annual Brew Masters Golf Tournament will be held on October 21, which combines two of the most popular activities in Murrieta – beer tasting and golf. Event attendees can sample beer, network and win prizes, all while playing their favorite sport.
Morro Bay Witches Paddle
Hundreds of community members in Morro Bay don their best witchy costumes and swap their broomsticks for paddleboards and kayaks at the annual Witches Paddle, taking place Oct. 22, 2022. Since its inception in 2013, the Witches Paddle has become an exciting activity and spectacle in Morro Bay. Each year, organizers raise money for different charities.
November
Morro Bay Triathlon
The Morro Bay Triathlon takes place November 6, 2022 on Morro Bay's waterfront beginning with a harbor swim or, if you prefer, a kayak or SUP paddle. This unique event also has Olympic and sprint courses that take participants on a bike ride along beautiful Estero Bay, and ends with a run on the beach boardwalk, over the sand dunes and along the beach, ending at Morro Rock.
December
A Hallmark Holiday in Carmel-by-the-Sea
When travelers visit Carmel-by-the-Sea this holiday season, guests will be transported to a Charles Dickens-inspired Hallmark village complete with secret passageways, hidden courtyards and fairytale cottages. The whimsical, walkable destination provides a picture-perfect backdrop for quaint strolls, surrounded by twinkling lights down Ocean Avenue. Enjoy a magical holiday weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea complete with shopping, fine dining, wine tasting, and more.
Lighted Boat Parade in Morro Bay
A parade of holiday spirit occurs every Friday night in Morro Bay as brightly-decorated vessels and commercial boats cruise up and down the Embarcadero waterway. An official lighted boat parade occurs December 3, where beautifully lit boats illuminate the harbor and sea. While in the area, the mild temperatures in December in Morro Bay provide an abundance of outdoor activities, including surfing, that everyone can enjoy.
Julefest in Solvang
Held in one of the "Most Christmassy Towns in America" (Time Magazine), Julefest is a season of lights, celebration, and holiday cheer, spanning from November 26, 2022 – January 6, 2023. Join the town of Solvang for tons of family fun, music, shopping, culinary delights, wine & beer, and more. Skål! Key events include:
Santa in Solvang Park: Saturday's 12pm – 4pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, December 2, 2022 5pm – 6:30pm
Julefest Parade: Saturday, December 3, 2022 11am
Solvang Tree Burn: Friday, January 6, 2023 at Mission Santa Inez
For more information on events happening in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Morro Bay, Murrieta or Solvang, visit carmelcalifornia.com, morrobay.org, exploremurrieta.com or solvangusa.com.
Media Contact
Taylor Cahoon, The Abbi Agency, 775-446-7448, [email protected]
SOURCE Carmel-by-the-Sea, Morro Bay, Explore Murrieta, Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau
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